As the wife of a long-time firefighter, Kathy Morehouse is far from neutral on the subject of first responders.

But after a brush with disaster, the Shelby Township resident now knows first-hand what they bring to a community.

“Shelby Township has tremendous (first responders) in its community,” said Morehouse, whose husband, George, happens to be fire chief in St. Clair Shores after previously holding the same position in Shelby.

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“I’m very grateful. I feel very, very blessed.”

The incident that had Morehouse praising public safety officers occurred shortly before 9:30 p.m. Thursday on a dark stretch of Mound Road north of 23 Mile Road.

On her way home, Morehouse was headed north on Mound Road when she caught glimpse of something – something large – about to cross her path.

She swerved right, but not quite quick enough to avoid a large, falling tree that had snapped and was crashing across the road. The tree crashed onto the hood of Morehouse’s 2002 Ford Expedition, and brought her trip home to a halt.

“The tree just kind of flopped on the car,” she said. “I thought it was just a dream.”

Once she gathered her wits, Morehouse realized she was a bit of a prisoner in her own vehicle. The bulk of the fallen tree blocked the driver’s side door, and Morehouse feared the possible presence of a downed power line outside the vehicle.

“I wasn’t sure what I should do,” she said.

Moments later, a Shelby Township police officer knocked on the window. He told Morehouse it was safe to exit the car.

Firefighters – many of the same ones who worked under George Morehouse before he left the Shelby Township department in 2009 – were next to arrive.

The ex-chief was right behind them.

“I got there right behind the fire trucks,” George Morehouse said. “It was good to see (the firefighters) there.”

“They were very kind and courteous,” Mrs. Morehouse added.

Firefighters employed a chain saw to clear away some of the debris, which permitted the damaged, but functional vehicle to be driven away.

A second vehicle, headed south, also struck the tree, officials said. The driver of that car, also a woman, was uninjured as well.

Mound Road was closed for a short period of time, but reopened after the debris was cleared, officials said.

Later, when the Morehouses were back in the safety of their Shelby Township home, they reflected on the harrowing experience.

“It could have been a lot worse,” George Morehouse said.

Added Mrs. Morehouse: “I was very shaken, but I have great faith. All my friends said, ‘Your guardian angel was with you.’